To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to require a plan for data collection and analytical capability relating to the skilled technical workforce, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7077
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-14: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-04T21:31:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, H.R. 7077, aims to strengthen federal efforts to track and understand the skilled technical workforce (workers with specialized hands-on skills in areas like manufacturing, engineering, and technology) by requiring ongoing data collection and analysis. It amends the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to shift from a one-time assessment to a sustained program focused on this workforce.
Key Provisions
- Timeline for Action: The Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) must submit the required plan no later than 1 year after the bill's enactment and update it every two years thereafter.
- Content of the Plan: The plan must outline how to start and maintain a data collection and analytical system within the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), a part of the NSF that gathers and analyzes data on science, technology, and engineering.
- Focus Areas: The system will conduct surveys specifically on the skilled technical workforce, replacing broader or optional surveys.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- From One-Time to Ongoing: The original law (section 10314(b)(2) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act) required a single assessment of workforce needs within one year of enactment. This bill changes it to a recurring biennial plan for continuous data efforts.
- Narrower Scope: It removes vague language about optional surveys on various topics (like education or job skills at the Director's discretion) and mandates a dedicated focus on skilled technical workforce data.
- Institutional Anchor: Explicitly ties the effort to NCSES, ensuring centralized, standardized data collection rather than ad-hoc assessments.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enhances the NSF and NCSES's ability to provide reliable, up-to-date data, supporting better-informed policies on workforce development, education, and innovation. This could streamline federal budgeting and programs related to technical training.
- On Citizens: Improves access to data that could guide career training and job placement for individuals entering skilled trades, potentially leading to stronger job markets in technical fields.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though better workforce data could indirectly bolster U.S. competitiveness in global technology and manufacturing by informing trade and innovation strategies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Science Foundation (NSF) and NCSES: Directly responsible for developing and implementing the plan and surveys.
- Skilled Technical Workers and Trainees: Benefit from data-driven policies that address shortages or training needs in fields like advanced manufacturing and IT.
- Educational Institutions and Training Programs: Could use the data to align curricula with workforce demands.
- Industries and Employers: Gain insights into labor supply, aiding recruitment and advocacy for skilled labor policies.
- Congress and Policymakers: Receive regular updates to shape legislation on education, immigration (for skilled visas), and economic competitiveness.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on existing authority under the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act without creating new agencies or funding mandates, reducing potential legal challenges. It promotes administrative efficiency by standardizing data practices.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; aligns with Congress's enumerated powers to promote science and useful arts (Article I, Section 8) through federal data collection.
- Political: Supports bipartisan goals of workforce development and innovation, as evidenced by introduction by representatives from both parties. Could influence debates on immigration and education funding by highlighting skilled labor gaps, but remains non-controversial in scope.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-14: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-01-14: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to require a plan for data collection and analytical capability relating to the skilled technical workforce, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-01-14 — PDF (2 pages)